Calling ALL TAI Members
TAI needs your help in launching a dynamic, new technology career awareness program that will reverse some alarming trends affecting Iowa tech companies!
Declining enrollments in STEM classes (science, technology, engineering and math) and frightening shortages of qualified professionals signal danger for the future of Iowa's technology workforce. What's a technology leader to do?
More fun than sitting in front of a computer! More interactive than playing Wii! And more effective than shaking your head in dismay when you receive yet another resume that just doesn't fit. It's HyperStream!
TAI has developed an exciting program for combating alarming workforce trends. Now we need ALL TAI member companies to get involved - involved in creatively partnering with local school districts to build synergy between business and education. This will be fun-we promise!
Why HyperStream?
TAI has pioneered a comprehensive program — HyperStream — to help fulfill its mission of developing the future technology workforce in Iowa. HyperStream provides an innovative way to increase 8th-12th graders’ awareness of rewarding Iowa tech careers. This early intervention gives students the ability to make informed decisions as they map out their high school curriculum and decide what to do after they graduate. As Ambassadors and mentors at your local schools, you can make a difference and help Iowa stand out as the recognized leader in technology!
What is HyperStream?
HyperStream turbo charges student's interests in technology through grassroots collaboration between schools and companies. The goal: to encourage Iowa youth to pursue post-secondary tech education to prepare for Iowa tech careers. This includes:
- Clubs for students to share ideas and work on school and community projects
- Mentors in educational and professional arenas
- Experiences geared toward sparking an interest in STEM coursework and an awareness of career opportunities
- Web site with resources and forums about how technology is changing the world
We've worked with students, teachers and administrators in the testing phase at Waukee High School, a Des Moines suburb, and in other pilot schools. Asking for and responding to extensive feedback from participants has ensured the effective development of this program.
But ultimately this key initiative depends on you - our TAI members. Employee Ambassadors from your company will have the chance to leave their cubicles, roll up their sleeves, and share their knowledge and experience with young people in hands-on projects. These tech professionals help drive the program and keep education in synch with business needs. Most of all, they'll act as inspiring role models for students.
Why Should Your Company Join HyperStream?
In September 2008, we'll launch HyperStream version 1.0, and we need you to make sure your local youth benefit! This is not a one-shot career day or a top-down ultimatum. HyperStream is all about providing the structure and equipping you with the tools to lead a long-term, bottom-up effort - and have fun in the process. By supporting this initiative, you benefit your industry, provide your employees with unique professional development experiences, and you and your school partner have the opportunity to win the first-ever HyperStream Award for the best project at the annual Prometheus Awards.
What Will Ambassador Companies Do?
We're looking for companies who have an interest in making a lasting impact through long-term partnerships with local schools. This includes designating an employee or team of employees with the honor of acting as Ambassadors to your school partner. Also as their employer, you play a crucial role in supporting them with the time, resources, and potentially equipment to participate in HyperStream. (This could mean they split out a little early to participate in after-school activities. But they're ensuring you’ll have people to hire in the future, so it's worth it!) Also, we'll need you to have your Ambassadors send measurable results into TAI. We want to know what's working-and what's not-so we can continuously improve HyperStream across the state.
No company is too big or too small to participate in HyperStream! If you would like to team up with another TAI member company in supporting a local school, check the appropriate box on the sign-up form and we'll find a match for you.
Who Should Be An Ambassador?
Do you have people in your company who:
- love to talk about their profession, company and job?
- get really excited about innovative technology?
- enjoy working with youth?
- seek out professional development opportunities?
- want to enhance their leadership skills?
If so, you've got a HyperStream Ambassador on your hands. Ambassadors will act as catalysts and resources for educator champions and school districts to launch their tech programs into the next millennium. This is a great career development opportunity and a chance to mentor and work directly with students and educators on projects.
What Will Ambassadors Do?
Ambassadors agree to spend a minimum of one school year assisting with the HyperStream program at the school where they graduated or the school in their community. During this exciting launch phase, Ambassadors have the opportunity to see their local HyperStream from the concept through completion stages. After participating in TAI training, they will:
- Present this program to school educators — principals and teachers - to ensure buy-in at all levels for maximum success.
- Collaborate with educator champions on a strategic plan for the year.
- Visit classrooms to introduce students to HyperStream and generate interest.
- Encourage activity on the HyperStream Web site.
- Launch and participate in HyperStream Clubs.
- Advise and work on technology projects with students as the in-house expert.
- Support IT Olympics and other tech statewide competitions.
- Report on all of their amazing results and achievements to TAI.
HyperStream not only gives Ambassadors the tools to get started but also the flexibility to creatively implement and adapt the program to meet local schools' needs.
How Will TAI Help?
You're not in this alone! TAI has spent the past nine months developing HyperStream and testing it with 8th-12th graders. TAI has come up with a structure and resources to help Ambassadors effectively launch HyperStream in their schools. This includes:
- Initial calls to Superintendents to open the doors based on your requests.
- Comprehensive training sessions on HyperStream messaging and tools
- Opportunities to collaborate and network with other HyperStream Ambassadors
- Info packet, including key talking points, PowerPoint presentation, project ideas, and process on making the connection with school administrators and educators
- Highly interactive Web site with portals for students, educators, parents and Ambassadors to find information and share ideas
- T-shirts, posters, contest incentives and more for publicity and promotion
- Tracking system for Ambassadors to report their progress and achievements
What Should You Do Next?
Please sign-up online to let us know that your company will support this program and recruit Ambassadors. We'll be matching up schools with TAI member companies this summer. Please place the training date that works best for your company on the calendar to successfully launch HyperStream in your community!
